Lydian Dominant Scale

Lets now look at the Lydian Dominant Scale which is the fourth mode of the Melodic Minor Scale.

As with the othe modes we are focusing on E Melodic Minor scale for these examples.

The intervals are 1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - b7 - 1

This scale can be used over a Dominant chord Ab7, Ab9, Ab11, & Ab13

When played over these chords you will introduce the #11 tone to the chord beacaus of the raised 4th degree.

Play this off the root of a IV chord in a blues for an instantly jazzy sound.

The scale is best used over a non funcioning Dominant chord. i.e. a dominant chord that isnt resolving to the I chord in a progression. This doesnt mean that you can use it over a V7 chord if
there is at least one bar that you can change to the more conventional Mixolydian scale before moving to the I chord.

To help you practice the material in this lesson, here is a G Lydian Dominant Jam Track that you can refer back to and use to solo or run exercises over in your studies.